Garmin Introduces $500 GPS Device Designed to Improve Golfers' Swings

Garmin applied its GPS know-how to a $499 golf accessory that’s designed to monitor swing metrics. The Approach G80 combines GPS technology with launch monitor capability to allow golfers to analyze and fine-tune their performance -- at the driving range or during course play -- by tracking club head speed, smash factor, swing temp and estimated distance, said the company. The device, with the form factor of a smartphone, has a 3.5-inch color touch screen designed to be used outdoors. Golfers place the device in a slanted position on top of a golf ball across from the tee to record measurements. The device can be a game player, too, packing 41,000 preloaded courses around the world that players can call up to compete with friends, Garmin said.